The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1887-05-27

"If you are bored, then it will be your own
fault" remarked Goodwin. "The story not
long, anyhow; no, you won't suffer much
more than you acticipate. had formed
high idea of Capt. Nathaniel Lyon when he
broke up the secession camp formed by Gov
ernor jackson in st. Louis and | was very
glad to be in his command. He had been ap-
pointed brigadier, and l was with him at
Bonneville, where he routed n Confederate
force that the governor had got together, and
at Dry Spring, where he defeated McCulloch.
When McCulloch and Price united, and
threatened to gain possession of southwest
Missouri, approved of Lyons determine
ton to give them battle at Wilson's Greek, in
spite of their superior numbers. l had en-
listed as private in St. Louis and was al
ready captain, so that my opinion had
some weight We We're all so inexperienced
then that man who had participated in such
skirmishes I'VE called them battles) as Boone
vile and Dry Spring was regarded as a tried
soldier.
allow vividly / remember the 10th of
August, the day ON which the engagement at
Wilson's Creek occurred. The ground was
rolling like most of the land in Greene
county, Mo-, with clumps of trees here and
there and a forest in the distance. The
weather was intensely hot, and the dust from
tne movements Ol une duNtTse armies almost
suffocating. Gen. Lyon, as we were drawn
up for battle, rode along the line encouraging
the men. He told them how much depended
on the result of the fight, to stand firm, to
remember the flag of the country, to think
that on each soldiers conduct the result might
hang. l could see that he was anxious, but
he looked hopeful, cheerful and undaunted.
A braver, more patriotic man never fought
in the Union cause. l felt that he would, il
he should live, lead us to victory; that he
could not fail. So he seemed TO affect every
body that came into his presence.
"My regiment was one of the first ordered
forward on the enemy's right. We were
| ordered to withhold our fire until within fifty
yards; but the men were so excited and un-
disciplined that they began firing long before
| they could do much harm. The fire was re-
turned when we were near enough TO see the
faces of the Confederates, and appeared to
be very destructive My men seemed TO be
falling all around me- But soon saw that
| it was partially confusion in the ranks, caused
| by unfamiliarity with danger. The mer
were speedily rallied, and l observed that
only few had been struck. l ordered my
company not to mind the wounded and VIZ
rapidly advanced. l had had at the outset
keen sense of fear; l believed should be hi
every moment. But the fear quickly passed
became intensely excited, and yet was
outwardly calm. The dust and the smoke
OF the guns covered everything, for the ali
was close and sitting, l heard the roal
Of the engagement, mingled with the groan
Of the wounded and their pitiful cries TO
water, had a choking thirst myself Tn
field seemed like burning desert Wha
wouldn't / have given for drink of water
and there was water nowhere, the canteen
being exhausted.
| Notwithstanding my excitement, | grey
steadily calmer. l ceased to think Of myself
had no idea of personal peril, though say
men dropping constantly. When il was on
of our men, was amazed. When it was ON
of the enemy, l was rejoiced, and foun
myself shouting like the rest with deliriou
JOY at every casualty ON the other side
hungered for blood. was like wild beast
If could have slain thousand Confederate
with blow Of my blade, should have bee
happy. One Of our officers rode before u
He waved his sword, and cried out somethin
that | could not understand. The words ha
scarcely left his lips when cannon ba
carried away his head, and his bleeding trun
fell 10 the ground The incident did nc
horrify or startle me; It only quickened IN
4 tGsrish passion Ter rsysnge. and ] yslls